Xen users - Jul 2007 - FAQ Question 1.1; Hardware specififications

There are some minor but significant differences between the FAQ and the
User''s Manual..

1.1. What is Xen?

Xen is a virtual machine monitor (VMM) for x86-compatible computers. Xen
can securely execute multiple virtual machines, each running its own OS,
on a single physical system with close-to-native performance.

However the User''s Manual (3.0) states:

1.3 Hardware Support

Xen currently runs on the x86 architecture, requiring a “P6” or newer
processor (e.g. Pentium Pro, Celeron, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium
IV, Xeon, AMD Athlon, AMD Duron). Multiprocessor machines are supported,
and there is support for Hyper- Threading (SMT). In addition, ports to
IA64 and Power architectures are in progress.


I think it''s (FAQ-level) important to mention the minimum processor for
the latest version and mention that earlier versions can use older
processors(?).

If someone can confirm that the User''s Guide is accurate I''ll
make the
change.

All the best,



Lev


1) http://wiki.xensource.com/xenwiki/XenFaq
2) http://bits.xensource.com/Xen/docs/user.pdf



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On Wed, 2007-07-11 at 09:36 +1000, Lev Lafayette wrote:
> There are some minor but significant differences between the FAQ and the
> User''s Manual..
> 
> 1.1. What is Xen?
> 
> Xen is a virtual machine monitor (VMM) for x86-compatible computers. Xen
> can securely execute multiple virtual machines, each running its own OS,
> on a single physical system with close-to-native performance.
> 
> However the User''s Manual (3.0) states:
> 
> 1.3 Hardware Support
> 
> Xen currently runs on the x86 architecture, requiring a “P6” or newer
> processor (e.g. Pentium Pro, Celeron, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium
> IV, Xeon, AMD Athlon, AMD Duron). Multiprocessor machines are supported,
> and there is support for Hyper- Threading (SMT). In addition, ports to
> IA64 and Power architectures are in progress.
> 
> 
> I think it''s (FAQ-level) important to mention the minimum
processor for
> the latest version and mention that earlier versions can use older
> processors(?).
> 
To clarify;

Yes, 1.3 of the Hardware Guide is mentioned at 1.6 of the FAQ; but imo
this critical information should be mentioned at 1.1

What did older versions of Xen require?

Cheers,


Lev


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> > I think it''s (FAQ-level) important to mention the minimum
processor for
> > the latest version and mention that earlier versions can use older
> > processors(?).
>
> To clarify;
>
> Yes, 1.3 of the Hardware Guide is mentioned at 1.6 of the FAQ; but imo
> this critical information should be mentioned at 1.1
>
> What did older versions of Xen require?
Xen has does require P6 or above processors and it has done for absolutely 
ages.  It''s probably just an oversight that it''s not mentioned
in the FAQ.

Actually, it''s a little more complicated: early versions of Xen
supported some
kind of "legacy" processor operation for running in VMware (which
didn''t have
the APIC, which Xen usually uses for timer functionality).  I''m not
sure if
this ever actually translated into an ability to run on truly pre-P6 
processors, but in any case I''d be *really* surprised if it worked on
one
now.

So, please go ahead and update the FAQ - thank you very much for doing this!

Cheers,
Mark

-- 
Dave: Just a question. What use is a unicyle with no seat?  And no pedals!
Mark: To answer a question with a question: What use is a skateboard?
Dave: Skateboards have wheels.
Mark: My wheel has a wheel!

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